A new study from the American Lung Association revealed the potential cost and health savings if U.S. manufacturers replaced thousands of industrial boilers with heat pumps.
According to the report summarized by Canary Media, a gradual transition to heat pumps would save Americans $1.1 trillion in public health costs and avoid 77,200 pollution-related deaths from 2030 to 2050. The publication explained that heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, rather than relying on dirty energy sources such as coal, oil and natural gas, which contribute to warming the planet and harmful air pollution.
According to the analysis, states with higher concentrations of people living near industrial sources of pollution will benefit the most. Florida, Pennsylvania and North Carolina were identified as the states with the largest estimated health benefits, with projected savings of $107 billion, $82 billion and $68 billion, respectively. 23 other states would save at least $25 billion each.
But heat pumps are not just a solution for industry. Homeowners can implement these systems in their homes and save money on utility bills. According to Rewiring America, heating and cooling are responsible for 60% of household emissions. Heat pumps are also two to three times more energy efficient than most traditional heating systems that rely on dirty energy sources. For example, Mitsubishi, one of several companies offering heat pump systems for homes, says its units are between 160% and 390% more efficient than gas-powered furnaces.
Another benefit of switching to heat pumps – be it industrial or domestic – is that it reduces pollution caused by the warming planet. Additionally, this device provides both heat and cooling in one package, and some heat pump users say that these devices even distribute heat in a more comfortable way.
“I noticed how different the 'Comfort' feels compared to a regular oven,” one Redditor wrote. “It's not a rush of hot air all at once, but more of a steady, even heat. It took me a few days to get used to it, but I actually prefer it now.”
Although it may seem overwhelming to find the right system for you, Mitsubishi's trusted network can connect you with trained professionals to help you install an efficient heat pump system.
“Modern, industrial heat pump technologies are available and will soon be able to replace thousands of low- and medium-temperature combustion boilers in the coming years,” the ALA says in its report. “This transition can bring significant local health benefits by providing cleaner and more efficient heat to industrial environments. Education efforts, policies and investments in more efficient industrial technologies will bring great benefits to American communities and American manufacturers.”
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